Students and faculty from different nations and backgrounds displayed traditional garments representing their native countries Nov. 17 during a fashion show and potluck in celebration of International Education Week.
University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson kicked off the event, opening with remarks on the importance of inclusivity on campus.
“Traditions are not just held in the United States, they’re held all over the world,” Matson said.
International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, according to the bureau of educational and cultural affairs website.
The cultural runway show was the department’s opportunity to highlight global festivities during the holiday season.
“Being able to host these kinds of events introduces us to one another and from there we are able to form a bond,” said junior kinesiology major Rodolfo Magallan, originally from Monterrey, Mexico.
Twenty-seven countries were incorporated into the fashion show with international students proudly modeling popular attire. Smiling faces filled the room in anticipation of a fun educational opportunity hosted by the office of international affairs.
Two garments that onlookers could relate to are the bright redfolklórico dress and majestic black charro (mariachi) outfits from Mexico. The female student who modeled the folklórico dress twirled her skirt in delight and the male student in charro chanted a “grito” or should of pride.
These ensembles strike a chord of passion because many students and faculty are familiar with these garments, which are popularized throughout South Texas.
Other countries that participated in the event include Japan, Iraq, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Participants donated homemade dishes like a wine infused lasagna, beef and spinach empanadas, samosas, and paella.
Texas A&M University-San Antonio is the home campus to 30 international students that are legally in the United States with student visas. 35 students that fall under Senate Bill 1528 and 83 permanent residents.
“Senate Bill 1528 is the Texas version of the ‘Dream Act,'” said Rebecca Acuna, executive director of Latino Center for Leadership Development based in Dallas.
This allows high school students that live in the United States, regardless of residency and citizenship the opportunity to attend college and pay in state tuition.”
International students looking to become jaguars have an extensive enrollment process. They must present documentation of previous educational backgrounds, bank statements and ESL testing. Once those prerequisites are fulfilled the student must travel back to their country and retrieve a student visa in order to begin class registration.
As A&M-San Antonio continues to grow so will the diversity amongst the student body. It is more important than ever to embrace those who come from different cultures to create an inclusive campus.
“Even if you don’t speak the same language it’s nice to make friends that can relate to your situation,” Magallan said.
